Russia's investments in Africa's energy sector
The Eurasian nation has made notable contributions to the development of Africa’s energy sector over the years.
Egypt's nuclear power plant project
Russia's $25 billion loan to Egypt in 2016 facilitated the construction of the country's inaugural nuclear power plant.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in a statement said that the loan would span 35 years, carrying an annual 3% interest rate.
Egypt's official gazette outlines instalment payments commencing on Oct. 15, 2029.
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"The loan will be used by the Egyptian side for a period of 13 years between 2016-2028 the Egyptian side will repay loan amounts used over 22 years in 43 instalments," the gazette said.
Rosatom, Russia's state-owned nuclear energy corporation, will train 2,000 Egyptian technicians for the operation and maintenance of the Dabaa station, set to create 50,000 jobs in the Matrouh governorate over a seven-year construction period, according to Egypt Today.
Burkina Faso's energy aspirations
Burkina Faso, in October 2023 entered a memorandum of understanding with Russia during the Russian Energy Week in Moscow, solidifying plans for a nuclear power plant.
The military junta in a statement said, "The government of Burkina Faso has signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a nuclear power plant. The construction of this nuclear power plant in Burkina Faso is intended to cover the energy needs of the population."
As of 2021, only 19% of the population in the West African nation had access to electricity, the World Bank reported.
South Sudan's hydropower initiative
A recent agreement between Russia and South Sudan materialised in the activation of plans for a hydropower plant, highlighting South Sudan's severe electricity scarcity, with over 90% of its 12 million citizens lacking access, according to local media Eye Radio.
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The memorandum of understanding, initially delayed since 2018, signals renewed commitment, aligning with South Sudan's ambitions for infrastructural development.
"We were supposed to sign this memorandum of understanding in 2018 but this memorandum will be renewed, and the company has agreed that it will be signed in Juba," South Sudan Ambassador to Russia, Chol Tong Mayay said in a televised report on state-owned SSBC.
Uganda's nuclear power station ventures
In August 2023, Uganda announced collaborative efforts with Russia and South Korea to construct two nuclear power stations using Uganda’s uranium, potentially generating a total of 10,700 megawatts of power, local media the New Vision reported.
President Yoweri Museveni confirmed the plan at the G-25 Africa Coffee Summit held in Uganda.
“Just imagine two power stations will produce 10,700 megawatts. One 7,300 megawatts and the other 3,400 megawatts,” the East African leader is quoted by local media the New Vision.
